When it comes to the arena rock band KISS, there’s really no gray area; you either hate them. Or love them with passion undying.
If you wonder where Gary Greenough lies, just take a look at his 1996 KISS Tribute Harley (KTH). With its officially sanctioned logos, custom-made flame cut wheels, flaming shifters and pegs, cat’s eye headlamp, and requisite KISS colors, Greenough’s bike is a rolling tribute to one of the most enduring — and pyrotechnic — music groups of all time.
“I wasn’t a fan right from the start. But I became a firm member of the KISS Army after seeing a biography about the band on VH-1. Now I know more about them than I probably should,” laughs Greenough, who regularly rides (“No show trailers for me. This is a working bike!”) to car shows throughout California.
A self described FANatic, Greenough contemplated the idea of getting a back stage tour, during which KISS lovers can get a behind-the-scenes look at the stage and, if they are lucky, a brief handshake with the showmen who brought KISS to life, such as Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons.
“But that experience lasts only a couple of minutes,” says Greenough. “I decided to put something into a very custom motorcycle that would last me for years.”
When he first began the year-long project in 2008, some of Greenough’s friends thought he had lost his mind. The completed bike proved an opinion changer.
“They still think I have gone around the bend a little, but when they look at the bike, they do so with admiration. It’s one of a kind.”
Admiration for the bike extends far beyond Greenough’s friends. At a recent parade, onlookers applauded him loudly and paid him the ultimate compliment for a KISS fan.
“Everyone was giving me the KISS hand sign and sticking out their tongues. It was so much fun!”
It’s not just fans who appreciate the bike. While there are many cars and motorcycles across the country that pay tribute to KISS, only Greenough’s bike has received the official acknowledgment of the band members. Its photo is even featured on KISSonline.com.
The KTH appearance at the Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show, April 25th at Half Moon Bay Airport, will benefit the Coastside Adult Day Health Center, as well as Greenough’s favorite charity.
“Any donations I get from people who want to have their photo taken with KTH go to Wounded Warriors, a non-profit organization that helps soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan,” says Greenough.
So get your black-and-white makeup and other KISS costumes out of the mothballs and head to Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show.
As Gene Simmons might say, it’ll be Hotter than Hell.
